This is an interesting turn of events. Solo Mobile was launched in 2000 and is a sub-brand of Bell Mobility. The entry-level and low cost prepaid player has been overshadowed by competitors such as Fido, Koodo, Chatr, Wind, Mobilicity and even Bell’s other sub-brand, Virgin Mobile. The last time we’ve seen Solo release a new handset was on October 13th with the Android-powered Samsung Galaxy Gio. Since then the brand has been dark.
We’ve been tipped that Solo Mobile will officially stop “activating new customers.” According to the internal doc we received it states that “As of May 17, 2012 Solo Mobile will no longer be activating new customers (both postpaid and prepaid). Existing Solo Mobile customers will not be impacted by this change; they will continue to enjoy great rates, amazing Canada-wide coverage and affordable devices.”
There’s no word on how many subscribers Solo has as their number are always combined in with Bell’s quarterly reports. Bell ended 2011 with 7,427,482 subscribers. However, current Solo customers will continue to have access to the same services and monthly rate plans, plus given the option to port over to Bell. If you’re a current Solo customer and want to stay, you’ll be thrilled to know that 3 new handsets are miraculously available to you:
– Samsung Galaxy W ($59.95 on a 2-year and $249.95)
– Samsung Galaxy 551 ($9.95 on a 2-year and $199.95 outright)
– Samsung C414 ($19.95 on a 2-year and $119.95 outright)
There’s no other details about why Bell has decided to cease Solo activations, possibly to put all their focus into two brands (Bell and Virgin), or could be all the new wireless competition has taken its toll financially. Perhaps a 3-brand strategy doesn’t work and Rogers Chatr Wireless will possibly be next – which is what we’re hearing, but still unconfirmed.
We’ll have more info soon!
(Thanks tipster!)
